About the Grant

Grant Abstract:

Empowerment is Mathematicians Collaborating for Children
E= mc 2

Empowerment is Mathematicians Collaborating for Children (E=mc 2 ) is a program designed to bring mathematics instruction in Washington Township Schools to the next level and to set the district up with a template design to use in training K-9 teachers on best practices for years to come. The program begins with a one-week intensive Summer Math Academy in June facilitated by district administrators, lead teachers, and the Engineering and Technology Department of IUPUI. Facilitators will lead teachers in creating lesson plans for their students that focus on the Indiana Mathematics Standards of number sense, algebraic reasoning and problem solving. University partners will assist with mathematics content knowledge and making real-world connections with the lessons. Guest presenters who are known experts on mathematics instruction will be utilized during the academy to further enrich the participants.

An incentive to make this commitment to grow professionally will be the issuing of relevant technology tools to each participant to keep as long as they work in the district. These tools will be used extensively with the participants during training so that they will be competent in using them with their students to carry out their newly designed instructional plans. Monthly classroom visits, peer coaching, university consulting, and reflection seminars will occur throughout the school year with all participants to provide support and guidance. Online learning opportunities with access from home and school will be utilized to view videos of master teachers modeling strategies in classrooms giving instant expert advice to the viewer.